Comments | slobbit: Damn, and damn.

slobbit

Damn, and damn.

Sep 03, 2009 08:58

One of the yonkyu was promoted to sankyu at judo the other night ( Read more... )

judo, facsimilie of real life

Comments 14

mayakda September 3 2009, 13:18:57 UTC

It sounds like ingrained sexism.

slobbit September 3 2009, 13:35:32 UTC

I think the problem is more competitiveism, rather than sexism, it just tends to be magnified because women do not have the same opportunities for competitive success (and safety) as do guys.

I've been around and around with sensei on this.

ckd September 3 2009, 13:19:51 UTC

I'm very sorry things have happened this way for both you and V, as well as for the other students who may not even realize the environment isn't as good as it should be.

bonniers September 3 2009, 13:32:31 UTC

Hugs. That seriously sucks.

I have no Weapons arts to fall back on anonymous September 3 2009, 13:53:26 UTC

Personally, I would love to see D do something. At this point I too would prefer to go elsewhere. In fact I've been mapquesting the trip to the Worcester Martial Arts Academy. I would hate the ride, but have real mixed feelings about going back to the current situation.

I'm very frustrated and unsure of just where my future path lies. I don't like it at all.

sartorias September 3 2009, 15:49:44 UTC

This doesn't surprise me . . . our female sensei, back when I was taking shotokan, said that she had to be super aggressive because she was short and solid, and so people just seemed to look right past her when watching group kata, their gazes going to the big strong guys. Her takedowns had to be LOUD to be noticed. She had to put in twice the effort that the young guys did, for the same result. And it wasn't on purpose--she knew that--but there seemed to be something in the brain that just zeroed in on the young, strong guys.

slobbit September 4 2009, 13:36:40 UTC

There doesn't seem to be the same issue in iai-at least not that I've experienced. There I have to deal with teaching points that clash with female anatomy (last weekend I pointed out before a very large percentage of the organization that one is better off referencing anatomical rather than sartorial landmarks, as women have to wear the clothes differently, and just a few weekends ago my local sensei realized with surprise that I have a more difficult time due to having to wear my sword higher).

But I don't think I'm overlooked or have fewer opportunities there because of my gender or attitude.

sartorias September 4 2009, 13:47:04 UTC

That's interesting! It could be that my/my sensei's experience was pretty isolated.

slobbit September 5 2009, 03:12:02 UTC

No, unfortunately I think your sensei's experience is the rule, and it's koryu bujutsu that's the exception. I mean, you have to be a pretty exceptional woman to show dedication to koryu, and it's not just any ol' guy or gal who sticks with it long enough to get qualified as a teacher. So I think koryu teachers-the folks who are recognizing me-are the special case.